Q&A

Is a maid worth the money?

Wasn't really sure where to ask this question, but I was curious as to what other people do. I don't like to clean and I have very little time to do it in, anyway. Between work and school, I'm exhausted. But, a dirty house stresses me out!

So, do I save myself the stress and get a maid, or do I suck it up and just clean it myself?

The money part of it is a factor, but I look at it in terms of how much more productive could I be if I wasn't stressed out because of the house? Plus, it's giving someone else a job, too, right? On the other hand, I'm a bit of a tight wad and can't seem to justify spending money on something I can easily do myself.

I'm 50 and can provide my experience on this matter. If you take something out, put it away. If you mess the dish, wash it. If you sleep in the bed, make it before you go for your shower. Sweep once a week, pick a day, it takes 10 min. When working and raising my family of two girls, husband and numerous pets, it was a big problem getting others to cooperate. Discipline helps you down the road to success. I tell my daughters to set the timer for 5 or 10 minutes and then see what can be done each day. It adds up thru the week and gives you time to enjoy your life on the weekends and in the evening. Merry maids are nice, but not practical when trying to be frugal and you will do a better job yourself because you know what bugs you the most. Save your money that you would pay for the maid service. You will be glad you did and do something nice for you.

Yes, yes, yes. Time is money, right? And if you can be more productive by having someone else help with the routine cleaning, why not? It's all a matter of budgeting and deciding what else can be sacrificed so you can have this. Even if someone only comes every other week, it'll be worth it.

I LOVE THIS QUESTION! I have been messy my whole life and only recently have I come to realize that its just a part of my personality and I don't feel so guilty about it anymore. People pay money to get their hair colored or to get massages, so why should you feel bad about something that's going to take stress out of your life? Don't let anyone make you feel bad about being messy, as long you're not approaching a Dr. Phil-style packrat intervention. I found a really great book called "The Perfect Mess" that explains a lot about the positives of being messy. The only reason I haven't gotten a maid yet is because I'm also really cheap, but you know what, you inspired me! I think I'm finally going to call someone today.

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